Last July, Mercer's Cost of Living Survey showed that Abu Dubai (67) was ranked the most expensive city in the Gulf region after Dubai fell 26 places to be ranked at number 81 out of 214 cities covered.

What an off-balanced report. Dubai remains one of the world's most expensive cities. No hotel room in the desert less than 150$- 2bed apt no less than 24,000$, Dewa is not cheap,even gas budget is relatively high since metro lines are still limited for use and buses have very long trips making them inefficient. restaurants are not cheap at all. schooling?!healthcare?!even internet connection is high!of course, Dubai remains cheaper than central London or Paris or Manhattan or Tokyo yet prices are high in Dubai, very high by all global standards. It's known anywhee on earth than Dubai is for wealthy people.

Faqir, almost two years ago I did exactly as you and others have recommended. It was very difficult to own and operate a business there. Because of that I made the decision to shut down my business in Dubai and moved it to Singapore resulting in three Emiratis and twelve Asian employees unemployed. I also transferred six "expats" with me. I should have listened earlier to people that had your attitude and moved sooner than I did. It appears you don't want to make your country better.

Kuala Lumpur (74th position) is more expensive than Dubai (94th position)? That is impossible! Eg. One KFC dinner set in KL is approximately Dh13. How much is in Dubai, Dh18 or Dh20 maybe? Get my point?

Posted by: MMM
Monday, 20 February 2012 3:15 PM[UAE]
- UAE

KL salaries are much lower than Dubai's. Fact

Posted by: Marijke
Monday, 20 February 2012 8:32 AM[UAE]
- UAE

That depends on how they calculate which city is the most expensive. If prices are compared to the average income and buying power, rather than just looknig at the price of something. I don't find Dubai an expensive city, I have more money to spend than I do in the Netherlands, where I am from. And that has not only to do with the fact that in Holland prices have gone up like mad, but I earn more here as well.

The details provided by this survey is absaloutly contradicting with the reality. Having visited most of these palces and also resided in many of this cities with reasonable standard living, i cannot concur with the fact that doha is cheaper than dubai or bahrain or ksa?